Updated 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 1, 2015

In celebration of Michigan Blood’s 60th Anniversary, the organization is inviting the community to “Make their Mark on the Mitten” by saving Michigan lives through blood donation.

Donors who give blood during the Labor Day weekend can make their mark — literally — on large Michigan mittens on display at Michigan Blood donor centers across the state. Donors will sign and mark the mittens with colors based on their blood type.

The mittens will be on display during a 60-day celebration of Michigan Blood’s 60th Anniversary ending Sept. 16. At the end of the celebration, the mittens will be collected and showcased at the Grand Rapids Donor Center during ArtPrize. The project represents Michigan Blood’s theme, MI Bloodlines, which describes the bloodline connection made between donors and recipients through blood donation.

“The need for blood never takes a holiday,” said Tamar Chipp, community relations coordinator for Michigan Blood. “We are asking people to add to their bloodline by giving about an hour of time to help save lives during the holiday weekend.”

As a special thank you, anyone who attempts to give blood will receive a $10 Meijer gift card.

The event will take place at the following locations in the Great Lakes Bay Region:

Hours at Michigan Blood donor centers are expanded for Labor Day weekend, but appointments are encouraged for donor convenience. Individuals can call (866) 642-5663 or visit www.miblood.org to schedule an appointment. Any healthy person 17 or older (or 16 with parental consent) who weighs at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate. Donations will benefit patients in more than 50 Michigan hospitals.